Bluray Ripping Software for Linux Mint 21.3

Blu-ray discs are a popular way to store high-definition movies and digital content, but playing or backing them up on Linux systems like Linux Mint 21.3 can be a challenge. Proprietary encryption methods and playback limitations often create obstacles for users who want to enjoy their media library freely. Fortunately, several powerful tools allow Linux users to rip Blu-rays efficiently. In this guide, we will explore the best bluray ripping software Linux Mint 21.3 users can rely on and walk through the installation and usage process in easy-to-understand steps.

1. Introduction to Blu-ray Ripping on Linux Mint 21.3

Ripping a Blu-ray disc means extracting the video, audio, and subtitles from the disc and saving them to a digital format like MKV or MP4. Many people rip Blu-rays for personal backup, archiving, or playback on devices that don’t support disc drives.

Linux Mint 21.3, being one of the most stable and user-friendly Linux distributions, is a solid platform for this task. However, unlike Windows, Linux does not come with built-in support for encrypted Blu-ray playback. Therefore, specialized software is needed.

2. Understanding Blu-ray Protection and Linux Compatibility

Blu-ray discs often come with encryption like AACS and BD+. These encryption technologies are designed to prevent unauthorized copying, but they also make it difficult for Linux systems to read them without extra configuration.

To handle encrypted discs on Linux Mint 21.3, you typically need:

libaacs: A library that helps decode the AACS encryption.
libbdplus: Handles BD+ encryption.
libbluray: A Java-based library for reading Blu-ray data.
KEYDB.cfg: A file containing decryption keys needed by libaacs.

Most of these libraries are open-source but require manual setup. That’s why many users rely on software like MakeMKV, which includes its own method for decrypting Blu-rays.

3. Overview of Blu-ray Ripping Software on Linux Mint 21.3

There are a few software options that work well for Blu-ray ripping on Linux Mint 21.3. Below is a breakdown of the most reliable tools.

Software	Role	Key Features
MakeMKV	Ripping & Decryption	Supports AACS, BD+, outputs to MKV
HandBrake	Transcoding & Compression	Converts MKV to MP4 or smaller formats
VLC Media Player	Playback & Simple Ripping	Can play/rip with proper configuration
K3b	Burning Utility	Basic support for disc reading and writing

MakeMKV is generally the best starting point, especially for encrypted discs. It allows users to rip an entire Blu-ray into an MKV file, preserving video quality, multiple audio tracks, and subtitles. Later, users can use HandBrake to convert and compress those MKV files for better storage and compatibility.

4. How to Install Blu-ray Ripping Software on Linux Mint 21.3

MakeMKV Installation

To install MakeMKV, follow these steps:

Download the latest version from the official forum.
Install dependencies: arduinoCopyEditsudo apt install build-essential pkg-config libssl-dev libexpat1-dev libavcodec-dev libgl1-mesa-dev
Extract the downloaded .tar.gz file and build the source: goCopyEdit./configure make sudo make install

Alternatively, install via Flatpak or Snap if available.

HandBrake Installation

HandBrake is available in the official Linux Mint 21.3 repositories:

bashCopyEditsudo apt install handbrake

Or use the Flatpak version for better UI updates:

bashCopyEditflatpak install flathub fr.handbrake.ghb

VLC Configuration

Install VLC:

bashCopyEditsudo apt install vlc

To enable Blu-ray playback:

Download KEYDB.cfg and place it in ~/.config/aacs/
Ensure libaacs and libbdplus are installed

5. Preparing Your System and Hardware

Before ripping, make sure you:

Have a Blu-ray compatible drive (not just DVD).
Use a wired power source (ripping takes time).
Have at least 25–50 GB free disk space per movie.
Connect to the internet to fetch decryption keys when needed.

6. Ripping Blu-rays with MakeMKV on Linux Mint 21.3

Once MakeMKV is installed, insert your Blu-ray disc and launch the program. It will scan the disc and display available titles. Choose the main movie (usually the largest file), select your preferred audio and subtitle tracks, and start the ripping process.

MakeMKV will create a large MKV file that contains the full video in original quality. These files can be up to 40GB depending on the disc.

7. Compressing and Converting with HandBrake

After ripping with MakeMKV, you can use HandBrake to convert the large MKV file into a smaller MP4 file suitable for mobile devices or storage drives.

Steps:

Open HandBrake and load the MKV file.
Choose an output preset like “Fast 1080p30” or “Android Tablet”.
Adjust settings for audio, subtitles, and resolution.
Click “Start Encode” and wait for the process to finish.

This will reduce file size significantly (e.g., from 25GB to 2GB) without a huge loss in quality.

8. VLC: Optional Use for Playback or Ripping

VLC can play Blu-ray discs and even rip them under limited circumstances, but it requires careful setup. You need to place the KEYDB.cfg file correctly and ensure all libraries are updated. It is generally not the best tool for full ripping but can serve as a media viewer or quick ripper for unencrypted discs.

9. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Disc not detected: Make sure your drive supports Blu-ray.
MakeMKV fails to decrypt: Update the AACS key database or try another disc.
HandBrake can’t read MKV: Make sure the file isn’t corrupted or already compressed.
Audio out of sync: Try re-encoding with different settings in HandBrake.

10. Legal Considerations When Ripping Blu-rays

Ripping discs for personal use is a gray area legally depending on your country. In the U.S., bypassing encryption may technically violate the DMCA, even if you own the disc. However, many users argue that personal backups are within their rights. Always verify local laws before proceeding.

11. Best Practices for Blu-ray Ripping on Linux Mint 21.3

Keep software up-to-date (especially MakeMKV beta keys).
Backup ripped files to external drives.
Use MakeMKV for lossless rips and HandBrake for compression.
Avoid sharing ripped content — it is illegal in most jurisdictions.

Conclusion

Ripping Blu-ray discs on Linux Mint 21.3 is entirely possible with the right tools and preparation. The best workflow is to use MakeMKV to handle decryption and full-quality ripping, then use HandBrake to transcode and optimize the video for playback or storage. Whether you’re archiving your movie collection or simply freeing yourself from physical discs, the right bluray ripping software Linux Mint 21.3 users trust can make the job smooth and efficient.